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Updated: Nerf Party Ideas With Free Printables

April 1, 2018 by Shellie Wilson

Did you know NERF stands for Non-Expanding Recreational Foam, as in what the bullets are made of. Did you know that Hasbro has a Nerf testing facility where it has recreated the most popular “Nerf environments” that allow their research and development team to test prototypes?

This Nerf party was lots of fun to create. We had blue and orange themed food and used targets as a focal point. We spent lots of weeks collecting boxes to use as barricades. I also used  bulk bullets from our party store and guns off Amazon. We played capture the flag and various other shooting games.

The Nerf guns were the main “game” and the kids made their own fun without having to have too many “supervised” activities. We did give them all a rundown on rules before they started and made them wear safety goggles at all times. I have now updated this post to include the free Nerf printables I created for my son’s party. I hope you like these printables. You can save and download them here. I printed my labels on cardstock and then laminated them.

UPDATED: We have updated this NERF post to include more free printables with this PDF of printable nerf targets, nerf games and more. You can buy some amazing Nerf Target Backdrop too and we also sell

Check out our new Nerf Party Planner printable

Printable Nerf Targets_ 

Nerf Targets_Set 1_Part3_sold (2)We coated the boxes in blue and orange camo with spray paint.

These folded cardboard huts were used for hiding in during “war games”.

These wrist bullet holders are available here as are the safety goggles shown below. The kids were also able to take these home so they were also the favor.

The take-home gift was a rolled-up target also bought online but we now offer a free printable target in the printable list above!

Thanks to creative grandparents we were able to have a splash-em board, which was lots of wet fun.

Updated! Check out this NERF HOUSE creation!

We are in absolute love with this NERF house! Have your kids grown up and you don’t know what to do with their old playhouse anymore? See what a Facebook reader Melanie S did to theirs! She upgraded the playhouse into a NERF house, complete with AMMO station. How cool would it be to hang out in this house?

Thanks for sharing your images Melanie, it is such an inspiration. Want to see more photos inside the Nerf house? Check them out here. 

How to use these printables?

All of the free printables below can be printed on a normal home printer without any graphic skills needed. Simply, right click, save and print out the party decorations and food labels.

 

Still, wanting more Nerf party ideas ? Check out this old NERF Gun ad starring Seth Green. Did you realize Nerf was so old?

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Have you read?

Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Beginners: Your No-Stress Buying Guide

beginner's-quilting-sewing-machine-guide

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

  • Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
  • Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
  • Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

  • Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
  • Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
  • LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

  • Why Beginners Love It:
    • 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
    • Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
    • Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
  • Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

  • Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
    • 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
    • One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
    • Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

  • The “Grow With You” Pick
    • Professional-grade straight stitches
    • Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
    • Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

  • $1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
  • Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

  • Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
  • Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

  • This free “Disappearing 9-Patch” pattern (uses only squares!)
  • Pre-cut fabric bundles (no scary rotary cutter yet)

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.

 

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